Intramedullary Spinal Tuberculoma: An Uncommon Presentation of a Common Disorder

Abstract

Intramedullary tuberculoma (IMT) is rare and usually indistinguishable from spinal cord tumors. Thus, the diagnosis of an IMT is challenging. Our case deals with an unusual presentation of a 55-year-old Asian man who had presented with lower limb weakness which was found to be caused by the dissemination of tuberculosis (TB) resulting in an IMT, a rare complication of tuberculosis. The patient also had a concurrent incidental hepatitis B infection. The treatment of IMT is anti-tuberculous medication. This case highlights the significance of the prompt diagnosis of an IMT, urgent intervention particularly in developing areas of the world where tuberculosis is still endemic, an increased probability of patients having an IMT, and their diagnoses being missed.